Weekend in the Woods, October 2007

clare | environment | news report

Thursday October 11, 2007 16:10

by Bob Wilson - CELT - Centre for Environmental Living and Training, also East Clare Agenda 21 Association

info at celtnet dot org

CELT, c/o E.Clare Community Coop, Scariff, Co.Clare

061-640765

Traditional and ecological skills training event

More than 60 people from all walks of life - and all parts of Ireland (plus a couple of overseas visitors) - came together at Bealkelly Wood, Tuamgraney, Co.Clare for a weekend of skills training in 12 different disciplines. CELT professional tutors provided tuition at introductory and intermediate level in workshop areas within the oak woodland which is beside Lough Derg on the Shannon waterway.

Basket weaving

Trainees booked in advance for the skill of their choice from a selection that included Sugan Chair making (Sean Walshe), Rustic Furniture making (Stuart McIntyre), Stone Carving (Dermot Twohigk), Silversmithing (Suzi Lewisohn), Blacksmithing (Peter Collins), Basket making (Padraig Larkin), River Ecology and Management (Del Harding), Herb-lore (Kes Clarke), Ti-pi making (Ti-pi Dave), Lime / Hemp Plastering (Phoebe O'Brien), Spinning and Weaving (Susanna Anker) and, for youngsters, Woodcrafts (Mark Wilson).

The courses ran from 10:30am to 5pm with a break for lunch (an excellent organic, vegetarian meal was available from caterer Karen Prinsloo) - also teas and snacks were available throughout the day (provided by Angie Pinson) and at 6pm pizzas were prepared in the clay oven by Ewan McKewan as a fundraiser for the local Alfa Project secondary school.

Many people camped on site (free) (others staying in local B&Bs) and there was a joyous gathering on Saturday night with music and singing around the campfire for many and another social get-together in the big ti-pi.

Christophe Mouze was visiting from Clare Island Yoga Centre and he provided a yoga class on the Sunday morning which helped stretch a few reluctant muscles !

CELT is a national charity for environmental education, training and awareness with the key theme of sustainable living and is involved in a number of projects including a community woodland and a tree nursery and exhibitions at events around the country.

Blacksmithing workshop